How to wear grey suede shoes

GQ Fashion Director and resident Style Shrink. Follow Robert on Twitter at @realstyleshrink.

Thursday 7 February 2013

Q. What's your take on grey suede shoes? I recall you saying in one of your replies that a favourite expression of yours was "suede shoe brigade" (meaning that the person is not quite the thing) but aren't they an acceptable alternative to leather shoes to pair with grey jeans, a white shirt and greyish suit jacket?

By GTS

A. When my mother first met my father he was sharing a flat above Earls Court tube station with two others, including a Kiwi, who, rather unfairly, my mother took against. This antipathy lasted for several decades, even after the unfortunate New Zealander moved back home and my parents visited him there. When I asked my mother what Auckland was like her lip curled as she replied, "Well, when grey shoes come back in to fashion it will be the most stylish city on Earth." Now, of course, New Zealand's largest city is a cosmopolitan metropolis and grey shoes are no longer looked down upon (although I will admit my mother's influence has always been tough to shake off). Actually, I now think grey suede is rather chic and I think these shoes will look great with the jeans. Though talking New Zealand, be careful you don't go too far with the grey theme and turn into Gandalf.